Police arrest teen for downtown assault

A couple's evening out was turned upside down when teenagers surrounded their van and blocked a road in Downtown Spokane.

Around 8 p.m. on Monday night, the couple was leaving Steam Plant Grill when a group of teens stood in front of their van, blocking them in.

Police say the teens started pounding on the van and yelling that someone had been hit. The male driver then got out to see what was going on and an altercation soon started between the driver and a 17-year-old. Police say it escalated and soon became physical.

"This is a situation, I believe, of young people trying to claim a little property in an alleyway," Captain Judi Carl with Spokane Police said.

Melissa Kellogg, owner of Red Rolling Pin in Steam Plant Square, was at her store when it happened.

"I heard some shouting so I went around the corner and there were just some kids in the area by alley - fighting and shouting," Kellogg said.

Even after witnessing the incident, Kellogg says she's not scared. She's been here for five years and never felt unsafe.

"It wasn't scary. It wasn't something that made me nervous about this area or even being out," she said.

Police call this an isolated incident and point to the fact that violent crime is down 25% in Downtown Spokane, compared to last year. That's why police say you shouldn't cancel your dinner plans or venture away from Downtown Spokane because of last night's assault.

"This kind of behavior is unacceptable, we will do everything to enforce the laws," Carl said.

Both people involved in the altercation were treated on scene by medics for minor injuries. The 17-year-old involved was arrested. He's charged with 4th degree assault.